Dark red with a thin but persistent head. Aroma of brown sugar and molasses. Sweet malt body is thick and boozy. Dark fruits and cinnamon last into the finish and so does the alcohol heat. A big beer to be sure.

Draft @ Oakquinox 2013. Pours a hazy copper color with a small off-white head. Nose is sweet caramel and dark fruit. Mild to moderate brandy aromas with some wood, vanilla, and chocolate. There’s a touch of booze and brandy to the flavor, but mostly caramel, brown sugar, and dark fruit. Chocolate, oak, vanilla, and some light citrus notes.

On tap at Urge Gastropub. Pours a muddy brown color with thin white head. The nose is sweet brandy, dark fruits, and a little bit of oak. Taste is very similar. The brandy hits you first and is a little boozy but not too much. Then you get the oak notes mid-palette. The finish is where the dark fruits come in; raisins, prunes, little bit of cherry. Very enjoyable brew. Holds up to my theory that brandy barrels make everything better.

Draught at the Toronado Barley Wine Festival 2010. Ruddy brown color. Brandy, fruit, and rich caramel in the aroma. Surprisingly hoppy flavor considering the barrel aging, with a light oak and brandy touch and rich caramel malt sweetness. High bitterness but in good balance. Full bodied. Very nice stuff.

Sampled at Toronado 2009 Barleywine Festival.
Pours clear brilliant amber with thin tan head. The aroma seems a bit musty with dusty oak, a bit of sweet brandy, then figs and raisins. The taste begins much the same with smooth brandy booze that slowly becomes somewhat harsh to go along with oak notes. Toward the finish dark fruity esters rise up with cherries, raisins and prunes. Nice brew.

Join us! RateBeer is made by beer enthusiasts for the craft beer community.
Your basic membership is free and allows you to read all beer ratings.
Click here to create your account... and give your opinion!